The Federal Communications Commission has released the 2001 edition
of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) AM/FM, TV and Cable Handbooks. The
EAS Handbooks contain basic system operation procedures for broadcast
station and cable system operators to use during EAS activations. These
documents provide instructions for national, state and local EAS
activations. They also contain testing procedures and script samples
that may be used during EAS activations and tests.

The 2001 EAS Handbooks are essentially the same as the 1997 and 1998
versions, with the exception of references to the ``Authenticator
List.'' The FCC discontinued the use of the authenticator lists in
1998. The new Handbooks were, therefore, modified to delete any
reference to such lists.

Section 11.15 of the Commission's rules requires that a copy of the
Handbook must be located at ``normal duty positions or EAS equipment
locations when an operator is required to be on duty and be immediately
available to staff responsible for authenticating messages and
initiating actions.'' Either the 1997 and 1998 versions or these new
2001 versions of the Handbooks may be used for compliance with the FCC
Rules.

The new Handbooks can be downloaded from the Enforcement Bureau's
Internet home page at:
www.fcc.gov/eb/eas
.
(AM/FM Handbook is 30 pages,
229 KB, the TV Handbook is 30 pages, 229 KB, and the Cable Handbook is
31 pages, 206 KB). Printed copies may be ordered by calling toll
free: 1 800-418-3676